Solestial, a US-based developer of silicon solar technology for space, has been awarded a $1.2 million SBIR Phase II contract by SpaceWERX to accelerate the development of orbital solar array wings. According to Solestial, the project is focused on delivering a low-mass, radiation-hardened solar wing capable of producing 1 kW within one month. The initiative includes designing new electrical interconnectors and implementing automated module assembly to reduce traditional manufacturing delays. Solestial has stated that its ultrathin silicon solar cells are engineered to operate in orbit for up to 10 years at low temperatures. Solestial has received over $7 million in SBIR contracts from the US Space Force, Air Force, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. SpaceWERX, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, is the innovation division of the US Space Force and manages an annual technology budget of $457 million to support national defense-related space advancements. Earlier this year, Solestial raised $17 million to expand its solar production facility in Arizona.